History

history of our parish

In 1868, Mr. John B. Willian, Esq., a non-Catholic, granted permission to John Gallagher, an employee of Willian’s print mill, to use the engraving room of the mill for weekly Mass. Mr. Willian further extended his generosity by giving his Catholic neighbors a parcel of land opposite the mill for the erection of a church. This was the original Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The cornerstone of this church was laid on October 2, 1870 by Rt. Rev. J.F. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg. It was used for services for the first time on December 11, 1870. The first permanent pastor was Reverend Thomas J. Kelly, who laid the groundwork for expanding the mission of the church. Poor health, however, prevented Father Kelly from continuing his duties as pastor, and Reverend John H. Loughran of Presentation B.V.M. Church in Cheltenham assumed the administrative duties at Maternity. Father Loughran died shortly thereafter, and for the following two years, Maternity B.V.M. was assigned to neighboring parishes as a Mission Church. In January 1873, Reverend Hugh Garvey was assigned as pastor. Father Garvey served until June 1874. During the next few years, several pastors succeeded Father Garvey.

On February 5, 1914, the parish received a setback when fire destroyed the epistle side of the sanctuary. Undaunted, the clergy and parishioners initiated immediate restoration work, which was completed on May 10, 1914. The rapidly increasing attendance at services indicated the need for additional temporary sites of worship. These sites were established in the adjoining communities of Somerton and Byberry. In the Spring of 1918, Bishop J.J. McCort recommended a new and larger church for the large Maternity congregation. Property was purchased at Welsh and Newtown Roads. The soaring costs of labor and material prevented Father McMahon, the pastor at that time, from building a new church. An 18-room house was situated on the property. It was ideally laid out for a rectory and was soon occupied. With the permission of Archbishop Dougherty, a room was set aside in the rectory where daily Mass was offered. The Old Church continued to serve the faithful for Sunday Masses and evening devotions. On October 3, 1920, the parish celebrated its first 50 years with a Mass of Thanksgiving with the Most Reverend Dennis J. Dougherty. On May 17, 1940, Father McMahon, who had served as pastor for 26 years, died and was succeeded by Reverend John A. Wright, a great supporter of Catholic education.

World War II ended in 1945 and many of the returning servicemen chose to relocate their families in the Bustleton area. This influx of fast-growing families prompted the need for a Catholic School program for the Parish. In September 1948, Sister Rita Marie and Sister Anne Francis of the Sisters of Mercy opened a school on the porch of the rectory. The rapid growth of both student body and interest in the school dictated an expansion program. A parcel of land was purchased near the intersection of Welsh and Bustleton Avenues and the school foundation was laid. On May 5, 1949, less than a year after the school’s inception, a one-level, T-shaped school with a large auditorium/church was dedicated by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick. The auditorium was used for church services on weekends, accommodating approximately 400 worshipers. The school continued to grow and in 1950, four classrooms were added. In 1957, ground was broken for two additional classrooms and a new auditorium. In November 1957, the Pastor, Father John A. Wright, died. He had fulfilled his vision to bring Catholic education and a Catholic school to Maternity B.V.M. Parish. As a memorial to the school’s founder, Father Wright’s body was buried in front of the new school. A monument now stands at the site of his interment.

On December 18, 1957, Reverend John J. O’Neill was appointed pastor. Father O’Neill completed the construction of the two new classrooms and the auditorium. Due to increased enrollment, Father O’Neill added a second floor to the original school building providing eight new classrooms.

Ground breaking for a new convent took place on July 8, 1962. At this time, church services with five Masses were being offered at the interim church, the auditorium, and the Old Church in the hollow. With an increased census and continued overcrowding at Masses, it became apparent that there was a need for a larger church with more parking spaces and an adequate rectory. On July 12, 1964, ground was broken for the planned new church and rectory. Eighteen months later on January 9, 1966, the Most Reverend John J. Krol presided at the dedication of our beautiful church and rectory. In 1967, a new school building was erected in front of the existing school. It provided eight additional classrooms for the students. On Mother’s Day, May 10, 1970, the Centennial Anniversary of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was celebrated. His Eminence John J. Krol presided. In July 1976, Monsignor John J. O’Neill, Pastor, retired and resided at Maternity B.V.M. until his death on February 27, 1996. Reverend James T. McDonnell was appointed Pastor. The parish continued to grow, with only minor problems until 1983, when the auditorium/gymnasium was officially condemned due to a shifting foundation. A replacement program was immediately begun and a capital fund campaign initiated. Through this campaign, a gala Carnival on church grounds was conceived and continues annually. The beautiful and functional parish hall was built and dedication was held in May 1988. The hall continues to live up to its expectations for parish and school activities. After 14 years as Pastor of Maternity B.V.M., Father McDonnell retired. He died on October 14, 1995. Reverend Monsignor Anthony W. McGuire was appointed Pastor in 1990.

Monsignor McGuire brought with him years of pastoral and administrative experience as well as a determination to foster the Church’s spiritual growth and leadership in the parish. Parish activity increased with the formation of a Parish Pastoral Council in 1993, which has led to the formation of a number of church service committees. Monsignor McGuire’s goals for the revitalization of the parish included many of the physical as well as spiritual attributes necessary for the continued well-being of the Parish. Much-needed remodeling work and major repairs have become an on-going project for all of the church and school buildings. In 1997, the remodeling of the cafeteria brought with it two new classrooms. A Pre-K Program as well as an after-school CARES program have been added to the Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Education program. In June 2003, after 13 years of service to Maternity B.V.M., Monsignor McGuire retired. Father George A. Majoros was appointed Pastor.

Father Majoros shared his expertise in the education process as well as pastoral and administrative leadership. The revitalization of the parish continued in four strategic areas: Spiritual, Social, Educational and Service. Under his leadership a new capital campaign project was developed to enable major reconstructive work in the church that would further the development of the revitalization process. The plans included the construction of two meeting rooms in the Lower Church. In May 2008, Father Majoros was appointed Regional Vicar for Delaware County and Father Paul S. Quinter was installed as the new Pastor.

The projects envisioned by Father Majoros were implemented by Father Quinter. In addition to the reconstruction of the Lower Chapel and Meeting Rooms, the pews in the Upper Church have been replaced, the church’s stained glass windows have been repaired, and the hope is that one day there will be an elevator to enable many of our disabled and elderly parishioners to participate in both liturgical and social events. This parish began, survived turmoil and trepidation, and has grown to become what we see today. Credit is due to the unity, generosity and hard work of the priests, Sisters and faithful of the parish. Maternity B.V.M. continues to grow and prosper in this The Third Millennium of Christianity. It is up to us, the present parishioners, to continue the legacy and be good stewards in assuring this parish is ready for our future parishioners.